The 33-year old German defender has not appeared for the Fire this season because of a hamstring injury but is targeting Sunday's meeting with the Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium for his opening match of the 2013 campaign.

"I would like to see how it goes during the week, but I feel better and better," Friedrich told MLSsoccer.com.

"I can promise that as soon as I'm a little fit I'll be there for the team. The real fitness you get through the games. Even if I play on Sunday, it takes me maybe four, five, six games for me to be 100 percent."

Despite beating New York Red Bull 3-1 on the weekend, the Fire currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference table with four points from five matches.

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.